Indiana sees first flu death of year
While influenza activity in the state is minimal, Indiana has seen its first death of the season due to influenza, Indiana State Department of Health officials said Wednesday.
Last year, the first flu death did not occur until late December. There were a total of 146 flu deaths in Indiana in the 2014-2015 season, the vast majority of which occurred in people who were 65 or older.
The person who died this year was between 50 and 64 years of age.
State health officials said that they would not release additional information about this individual due to privacy.
Although about 1 percent of patients in emergency rooms and doctors' offices complain of flu-like symptoms, none of the patients has actually tested positive for the virus, according to the state's weekly report on flu released Friday.
Flu, which can affect anyone of any age, is a virus spread by droplets released in the air or onto surfaces when people cough or sneeze. Health officials urge everyone over the age of 6 months to be vaccinated against the flu each year. Vaccines are available at doctors' offices, drugstores and at public flu clinics.
Symptoms resemble those of many other viruses and include a fever of 100 degrees or higher, headache and other aches, sore throat, cough and fatigue. Those who have other chronic conditions, pregnant women, young children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.
Call Star reporter Shari Rudavsky. Follow her on Twitter.